Programme length

The programme’s academic modules can be taken in one year (full-time) or two years (part-time).

Endorsements

The following specialist practice pathways are available:

• Community Children's Nursing
• District Nursing
• General Practice Nursing

Compulsory modules:

In addition to the compulsory modules for the programme:

• Specialist Practice Portfolio 
• Application of Leadership and Management 
• Community Practitioner Nurse Prescribing (V100) District Nursing only
• Required pathway modules

Each specialist practice student will complete the required and optional modules for their pathway to achieve the necessary credit level. This will develop specific knowledge necessary to practise competently within your specialist field.

Typical entry requirements

In addition to the overall programme entry requirements, students who undertake Specialist Practice normally receive sponsorship from a Primary Care Trust or organisation. The selection process involves partnership working between specialist tutors, practice teachers and Trust managers to ensure that the student meets the entry requirements. Students will need to be entered on parts one or two of the NMC Professional Register and will normally have at least two years’ post-registration experience. Students applying for the Community Children’s Nursing pathway must have the Registered Nurse (Child) qualification to be accepted. The NMC Specialist Practice Standards require the student to attend the University (50 per cent theory) and to achieve work-based and practice related experience (50 per cent practice) on a supernumerary basis. A period of consolidated practice of ten weeks is also required to complete the Specialist Practice programme.